Today, the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) in partnership with Maryland wheat grower Eric Spates, hosted its annual educational wheat farm tour for congressional staff, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees, University of Maryland personnel, and other stakeholders interested in learning more about modern wheat production.
Eric Spates took time out from his busy harvest season to host the event. Eric serves as a Board member on several state and national farm organizations including National Wheat Growers Association, Maryland Grain Producers Association, Montgomery County Farm Bureau, Montgomery County Weed Control and Edward B Byrd Charitable Foundation. “I enjoy demonstrating wheat farming and discussing some of the complex challenges we face as farmers,” said Eric Spates, Maryland farmer and National Association of Wheat Growers board member. “I appreciate the many experts who participated in the tour and support our operation in areas ranging from production and conservation to risk management and business planning.”
The tour was designed to provide participants with a greater appreciation for the complexity of modern farming and the broad network of professionals who work alongside producers to help deliver food, feed, fuel, and fiber. Attendees also had the opportunity to observe firsthand the stewardship practices farmers use to protect and enhance natural resources, including soil, water, air, and wildlife habitat. Attendees also saw wheat being harvested and asked in-depth questions about programs available to farmers, including Crop Insurance, One Farmer One File, EQIP and others.
“Nothing replaces the experience of standing in a wheat field and seeing firsthand the decisions, partnerships, and investments that go into producing a successful crop,” said Scott Brown, Idaho wheat farmer and Chairman of the National Wheat Foundation. “Farmers work every day to balance productivity, conservation, and risk management while providing a safe and abundant food supply. Tours like this help connect policymakers and agricultural stakeholders with the realities of farming and build a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing American agriculture.”
The National Wheat Foundation would like to thank everyone who spent the day with us, the speakers and experts who helped on the tour and especially Eric Spates for being so generous with his time and attention.
